Maserati Ghibli launched in Malaysia, from RM538,800

Naza Italia officially launched the Maserati Ghibli in PJ this morning, after FB-teasing the car earlier in the week. The Ghibli, a player in the E-segment sports premium market (think high-end variants of the 5 Series and E-Class, not your garden variety 520i and E 200) is available here in two petrol variants – Ghibli and Ghibli S – priced at RM538,800 and RM628,800 respectively.

Joining the new Quattroporte, which we drove in Turin last year, the smaller and sportier Ghibli gives Maserati two four-door sedan models in one range for the first time in the marque’s 100-year history. The Ghibli will be a main pillar in Maserati’s lofty aim to sell 50,000 units a year by 2015. Going mainstream while maintaining the qualities the brand is known for is Maser’s gameplan.

There’s nothing entry-level about the entry-level Maserati’s performance. Powered by a new 3.0 litre twin-turbo direct-injection V6 engine (designed in-house and manufactured by Ferrari in Maranello) with 330 hp and 500 Nm, the base Ghibli sprints from 0 to 100 km/h in just 5.6 seconds. Row through the auto box’s eight ratios and you’ll reach an unrestricted top speed of 263 km/h.

Speaking of the gearbox, the ZF AT8-HP70, as used in the QP, has five shift modes – Auto Normal (default mode, shifts smooth and early), Auto Sport (sharper and higher rpm shifting), Manual Normal (via shift paddles, system may intervene), Manual Sport (driver has full control, no intervention at redline) and the extreme weather/super eco I.C.E mode.

A more powerful version of the six-pot resides in the Ghibli S’ sloping hood. Like in the Quattroporte V6 S, it makes 410 hp and 550 Nm of torque, enough to propel the 1,810 kg Maser from 0 to 100 km/h in five seconds flat. The big wave of torque is available from just 1,750 rpm. Top speed is 285 km/h.

A 275hp/570Nm diesel (Maserati’s first ever oil burner), as well as an AWD Ghibli S Q4, make up the rest of the range, but those two variants will not be brought in. All Malaysia-bound RWD Ghiblis will have a Limited Slip Differential (LSD) on the rear axle. Weight distribution for this 4.97-metre sedan is 50:50.

The cosy cabin includes an 8.4-inch Maserati Touch Control system which integrates all controls except for the A/C panel, allowing for a clean centre console.

The dashboard and seats are covered in Maserati’s usual Poltrona Frau leather and a 15-speaker Bowers & Wilkins audio system with 16-channel 1,280 watt amplifier is on the options list. The Ghibli S gets carbon interior trim instead of wood.

Don’t like what you see? It’s a Maserati, so there are plenty of customisation options. But whichever trim or rim you choose, you’ll be turning more heads than a BMW ActiveHybrid 5 or Mercedes-Benz E 400, for sure.

Danny Tan loves driving as much as he loves a certain herbal meat soup, and sweet engine music as much as drum beats. He has been in the auto industry since 2006, previously filling the pages of two motoring magazines before joining this website. Enjoys detailing the experience more than the technical details.

Another racism~~~ it will be nice if u give link to ur social network account to let everyone know who are you(of course not fake one but i think someone like u definitely give fake one)~~ and i willing to migrate if government willing to help me migrate to other country ^_^, but government or someone racism like u only know how to shout “You Tak Suka, You Keluar Dari Malaysia”. oh how about u give me usd 3 million then i keluar, since most country offer migrate throught investment

Even if you do not agree this is the sexiest car in its segment, it’s hard to go against the fact that this will turn more heads than the usual German selection. It is Italian however and therefore it’s riddled with flaws unlike the near flawless outlook of the wunderwaffe. The rear seat is, judging from both Carbuyer and saabkyle, cramp and the seat is position almost upright. Some of the dials and buttons don’t look as something from a half-a-million ringgit car while the ride isn’t as flexible or fine tune as the one you see on Stuttguard’s, Munich’s or ingolstadt’s offering. There are buttons behind the wheels that don’t make sense.

It has ,like all Italian cars, have one upside and that’s one hell of an upside…..the engine. Coming out from under the same roof where they are churning out the beating hearts of merenallo’s finest, the twin turbo V6, thou not a proper supercar engine, does have a respond and feel that no other car from any country can give, and in sports mode, the engine echoes the battle cries of warriors past, present and future …..it’s truly is epic(and when you have a quattroporte and GranTurismo overtake you at full throttle ,trust me the sound will etch into your mind)

As a car enthusiast, I really do wish there are more of this on the road. But even my sensible mind would edge my purchase towards a 535i or E400 or an A6 3.0l quattro……if I had the cash. Nah, I’ll still wait for the 3 series rivaling Maserati I.G(sarcasm)

PS: imagine this with ‘my neighbor totoro’ or ‘spirited away’ stickers on it, how fitting.

Yeah I’ve seen the overseas reviews and it failed to live up to their expectations. Engine is a stunner but everything else pales in comparison to the likes of the 5 Series or the E Class. Nice try Maserati but you’ll need to work harder to beat the Germans

To gain even better market penetration, Maserati should also introduce the lower powered version (3.0L, Normally Aspirated V6) of the Ghibli. Don’t think this will dampen the premium image of Maserati.

I have no idea why some of you even compare the Ghibli to the Panamera. You guys realize that the Panamera is one segment above the Ghibli and it’s more expensive. The Quattroporte is a more appropriate comparison to the Panamera.

You are wrong and right at the same time.
Yes, the Ghibli is to be compared with E class/5 series/A6 but certainly the Panamera is not on par with S-class/7 series/A8.
Porsche hasn’t make any car that can be compared with S-class/7 series/A8.
To be more exact, the Panamera should be compared against A7/6 series and CLS class.
Cheers ;)

Oh my. Thats a pretty good price tag. More expensive than the E400 (RM494k), A6 3.0 (RM515k), and Lexus GS350 (RM470k). But cheaper than a BMW 535i (RM599k), as per Paultan’s article on the E400 in Feb this year (dont think price has changed since then). So, yes, the base model does seem like a bargain.

For those targeted buyers,uncles n all,i doubt thy know much abt the maserati brand n its attractiveness, thy wil still got for the established bmw,merc,Porsche n those brands,unless thy lived few yrs overseas in europe where it has a better image n history….i highly doubt the older gen actually go ahead n buy this…
This is da reality,jus like da quatroporte beforehand,its gonna fizzle in no time,sad but i think its true…maybe local maserati dealers should emphasize that the engine is made by ferrari to give more credentials…

The more I see the Ghibli, the more the looks grow on me. It’s become a very attractive car for sure, definitely will turn heads compared to your usual Germans. Price is also quite attractive considering the badge and engine. Although, still quite a little bit expensive when compared to the equivalent Germans. Especially the S. But still a fair price in my opinion, when you consider the engine is manufactured by Ferrari and that it’s a Maser.

Why is there must have racist comment in a car articles?C’mon fellow Malaysian, be it Chinese or Malay. We are Malaysian, when someone attacked us. No one will help us but among ourselves as Malaysian. So just enjoy the article and admire the car. To those who are rich, go grab one.To those still on the way to be rich, work harder. You can reach it. No point unleashing racial comment but come out all like pussy. Its bout cars not race. Put ur superiority at home. Those who can afford this baby is much more superiority than all of u.

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